It is more than a hundred days now that the Saudis are bombarding Yemen. They do not bomb military centers because they do not have access to them, rather they bomb hospitals, mosques, houses, markets and public squares and they kill women, men and children in groups. They have been doing this for a hundred days! A hundred days is not a joke. The war in Lebanon lasted for 33 days. The longest war in the recent years was the one that the Zionist regime waged. It was the one that broke out in Gaza last year and it lasted for 50-plus days. But they are striking Yemen for a hundred days.
I should say in parentheses that the liberal and freedom-seeking west did not say anything against the Saudi crimes. The Security Council of the United Nations issued a resolution that is one of the most embarrassing and disgraceful resolutions issued by the United Nations. This resolution will not be forgotten. Instead of condemning the bomber, they condemn the bombarded. These are liberals. Liberalism means this. Now a number of simple-minded individuals inside our country puff up their chest, write articles and publish their photos in support of this governmental system and this method of managing society, but what they say is based on lies, deception, treachery and indifference towards - and in certain cases, participation in - oppression.
Well, this is a reality. One of the realities is this: the increasing influence of the Islamic Republic. I have always said to our honorable presidents - both the current honorable president and former presidents- I respect all of them, I have helped all of them and I will support any president that holds office based on the people's votes - that whenever you travel to any Islamic country in the present time, the people of that country will give you a very warm reception, one that they have never given to the rulers of their own country. They will do so if they have freedom and if you are willing to go and meet them. This is the very meaning of influence. Influence means this.
They have been striking Yemen in order to defy this influence. They say that they are bombing Yemen because we have influence in Yemen. Well, what have we done in Yemen? Have we taken any weapons to Yemen? Have we sent our army to that country? It is they who choose mercenaries from other countries, who give them oil revenues, dress them in Saudi uniforms and deliver them to Ansarullah's slashing [audience laughs]. It is they who are interfering in the affairs of Yemen. Why should we interfere in the affairs of Yemen?
Well, this influence is given to us by God. Can we do anything about this? For example, when our magnanimous Imam (r.a.) used to speak in this place, they would spread his words all over Africa or Asia and his opinions exerted such influence that such as such a person living in a remote country in Africa would name his son, "Ruhollah". Influence means this. This is done without using one piece of paper to achieve the purpose. Well, when one's opinions influence others, when they are correct and when they attract hearts because they are sincere, then nothing can be done to change this. "Say, Die in your rage'" [The Holy Quran, 3: 119]. The late Shahid Beheshti was quoted as saying, "Well, you who cannot have this, should die of rage." What can wedo about this? This is a reality. This is one of the realities of the Islamic Republic. You should pay attention to such realities. You should not always adopt a pessimistic outlook.
Statements made during a meeting with university students; July 11, 2014.
